Afghan: 31 US soldiers killed in helicopter crash

Kabul, Aug 6: Thirty-one United States soldiers and 7 Afghans were killed in a NATO helicopter crash in Afghanistan, the biggest single incident for foreign troops in 10 years of war.

On Saturday, Aug 6, Afghan president Hamid Karzai said that Chinook helicopter had crashed in Syedabad in central Maidan Wardak province and killed 31 US special forces troops.

"The president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai expressed condolences over a NATO helicopter crash and the deaths of 31 members of US special forces," the statement said.

"The president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses his sympathy and deep condolences to US President Barack Obama and the family of the victims."

Reports added that the terror outfit Taliban's militant gunned down the chopper. It was shot down by a Taliban rocket which completely destroyed it, the Wardak governor's spokesman said after the Taliban had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that they gunned down the helicopter while raiding for mujahideens hiding in homes. The terror outfit also added that eight militants were also killed in the attack.

OneIndia News